To Continue...

Nothing like a hot cocktail to curb winter’s chill. Toasty libations are just the ticket this season at bars and restaurants.

Spiked cocoa bar at South Shore Dive

Spiked cocoa bar at South Shore Dive (65 Main St., West Sayville): More of a rare special than standard menu item, the bar’s winter Sunday-night custom spiked cocoa bar invites patrons to choose their own liquor and top it with items such as graham crackers, candy canes, M&Ms and marshmallows. (7 p.m. Sundays only). More info: 631-218-6500, southshoredive.com

Hot cider at Craft Kitchen & Taphouse

Hot cider at Craft Kitchen & Taphouse (44 Stauderman Ave., Lynbrook): A rich, sweet mixture arrives with a crown of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick plus a few dashes of the spice, served in a clear glass coffee mug. It’s more than just a warmer — it’s a liquid dessert. “Four dashes of cinnamon” is all bartender Tara Fee will say about it, citing the company’s secret recipe designed to jive properly with whipped cream. More info: 516-341-0547, craftlynbrook.com

‘Drunken Whale’ at Stirling Sake

‘Drunken Whale’ at Stirling Sake (477 Main St., Greenport): When it comes to warm sake, owner Yuki Mori recommends Suigei Junmai “because its name means ‘Drunken Whale,’ ” a nod to Greenport’s maritime heritage. Served at 120 degrees, this rice wine is delivered to patrons in a vase-like vessel filled with hot water while the sake rests in a secondary, inner container that keeps the remainder properly heated between pours. “But not too hot,” Mori says. “Definitely not boiling hot, as that would damage the taste.” The restaurant also plans to offer warm sake flights. More info: 631-477-6782, stirlingsake.com

advertisement

‘The Booze Sweater’ at Rowdy Hall

‘The Booze Sweater’ at Rowdy Hall (10 Main St., East Hampton): The drink — whiskey, candied lemon, honey and hot peppermint tea — is only one of eight cocktails served hot at the rare Hamptons year-round spot. “People tend to see me making this drink, and ask ‘What’s that?’ ” explains bartender Joe Gonzalez, as he laces a lemon slice with cloves to make a hot toddy. “Over the past few years we’ve added more in the way of these interesting seasonal cocktails.” More info: 631-324-8555, rowdyhall.com

Traditional Irish coffee at Shandon Court

Traditional Irish coffee at Shandon Court (115 E. Main St., East Islip): Among the four hot cocktails served, it’s not your typical coffee splashed with Baileys. Here it’s java with whiskey, fresh cream and brown sugar, and you’ll get your drink in a glass with a mug handle, so you can grasp the beverage without sizzling your fingers. Further setting the Emerald Isle theme: Owner (and native Irishman) Gerry Finlay performs tunes born of his homeland. More info: 631-581-5678, shandoncourt.com